The biggest shake up in the RTE Radio One line up for years has left up to four presenters' seats to be filled, a new show for journalist Vincent Browne and Joe Duffy out on a limb.
The autumn schedule, finalised yesterday by the RTE Authority, will see Pat Kenny swap places with Gay Byrne. However, the director of radio programmes, Mr Kevin Healy, stressed that it was not merely a time change. The Pat Kenny slot would be an "innovative programme" with a mixture of music and light features.
The first hour will be light entertainment. "People shouldn't be feeling they've just heard Morning Ireland, and then there they go again with the same thing."
The Gay Byrne show will move out of information programmes to light entertainment. The change marks the end of current affairs on the programme. Mr Byrne will present the show for his usual three days and "somebody new" will present the other two days. Mr Healy said he had not chosen a presenter, but it could be someone from outside.
There was speculation that Joe Duffy, co presenter on the show this year, would return to his role as an outside broadcaster for Gay Byrne. However, it is understood this is not the plan. "I will be talking to Joe over the next few weeks about his role in the autumn schedule," Mr Healy said. "But he will be there.
Vincent Browne will host an hour long "current affairs access style programme" at 10 p.m. four nights a week. Mr Browne left a similar slot with the Dublin station 98 FM in April.
Two other presenter jobs have been created with a new "lifestyles" programme three days a week between 6.30 and 7.15 p.m. RTE management is considering a male and female team. On the other two days Des Cahill will present a sports programme.
Today at Five presenter Myles Dungan will host a new 1 1/2 hour programme starting at 4.30 p.m. "There will be some music," Mr Healy said, "but it will not be a music driven show. It will be aimed at drivers and will include traffic, weather and what's on in the country. We may have a second presenter with Myles."
Mr Healy said the second presenter for the Gay Byrne show, the two presenters for the lifestyle programme and possibly a co presenter for Myles Dungan would be finalised by the end of next month. The September lineup:
. 7.30 a.m.-9.10 a.m. Morning Ireland as usual
. 9.10 a.m.-10 a.m. The first half of the new Pat Kenny show. It will be an "upbeat fast moving mix of features and music", with an emphasis on the lighter side of life.
. 10-11 a.m. The second half of the Pat Kenny show with more current affairs.
. 11 a.m. The Gay Byrne show (with Gay Byrne from Wednesday to Friday). This will be a light entertainment and chat programme.
. 1 p.m. News at One.
. 1.45 p.m. Liveline.
. 4.30 p.m. A new programme with Today at Five presenter Myles Dungan. Described as a pacy, flexible information programme, aimed at drivers.
. 6.00 p.m. News.
. 6.30 p.m.-7.15 p.m. On Mondays and Fridays a sports magazine presented by Des Cahill. On Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursday, a "lifestyles" programme aimed at a younger audience. Presenters to be decided.
. 7.15 p.m.-8.0 p.m. Specialist music programming.
. 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday. Current affairs phone in presented by Vincent Browne.
